I'd love to know how much of this pointlessly processed food contributes to environmental problems compared to cars, for example.
There is some sort of odd cultural glitch going on in favor of drinks as "healthful." Drink foods make people think of the medicinal brews of yore? I don't know.
Surprising as it may sound, making it just a little harder to prepare can make us value it more (we tend to value our own work). I remember reading about a case of one batter mix that ended up selling more than the "just add water" mixes by asking in the instructions to add the eggs and milk.
> a can of oysters and a can of sauerkraut
that sounds like an awful diet
I wouldn't suggest eating goitrogenic foods like cabbage daily. But other than that what's the problem? Take your varying pick of assorted canned veggies (beets, peas, etc.) and wild sea foods (sardines, salmon, etc.). Instant mashed potatoes and butter for extra calories if needed. The point is all this stuff is at CVS and close to zero prep.
Or so the study says. I can't find the source from my notes.